Bolsonaro’s visit to Davos was his first foreign trip since taking office on January 1. His speech, while trying to portray Brazil as “open for business”, also reinforced the radical change his government is promoting in the country’s foreign policy, from a tradition of pragmatism and multilateralism to a highly ideological and nationalistic stance. This move is less the result of a calculated international strategy than part of an effort to strengthen Bolsonaro’s domestic agenda.
Bolsonaro will struggle to balance “open for business” promises with his nationalistic foreign policy.
Emulating Trump’s aggressive stance without having the United States' military and economic power risks seriously weakening Brazil globally.
Brazil’s new climate change scepticism will further weaken global efforts in this area.
